MPs are to be given a vote on a proposed new framework for coronavirus restrictions in England, Conservative chief whip Mark Spencer has said. No 10 recently promised Parliament a say on new national restrictions to stave off a rebellion by Tory MPs.

The approach, which will see three tiers of curbs based on infection rates in different areas, is set to be announced by ministers next week. The government is under pressure to simplify the patchwork of different restrictions in force across much of the North of England amid concerns from MPs and local leaders that they are confusing, inflexible and in some instances, disproportionate.